Renaissance House

Investing in non-traditional voices and the Gift of Time

Renaissance House offers a unique view of honoring creativity. We include the path taken on the journey to becoming an artist. Our artists fought their way out of being hotel maids, factory workers and fast food servers to become successful writers in the rarefied world of acclaimed intellectuals. This year two of our alumni were nominated for an NAACP Image award, one writer received the Kingsely and Kate Tufts poetry award, one write nominated for Poet Of The Year in Atlanta, Georgia. The list is formidable. Renaissance House listens to the voices that others dismiss. For over 20 years, 50 people each year have been given the gift of time to express themselves in a safe environment with like minded fellow artists. That's over one thousand writers who have been given the opportunity to "just look out the window and stare". Most of our writers are writers of color who share similar BIPOC backgrounds, share an outlook on the world, share the experience of being "outsiders". Oftentimes this quality is misunderstood by the mainstream literary world. Renaissance House understands these unique values and provides a nourishing place for them to grow without judgement. YOUR DONATION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. EVERY PART OF IT GOES DIRECTLY INTO THE PROGRAM.

There are many ways to support our writers. Gifts maybe designated for specific scholarships or capital projects or provide public programs or publish chap books All donations support the program. You may also donate for specific scholarships or gifts of your choosing. The Helene Johnson and Dorothy West Foundation for Artists in Need is a non-profit, 501 c 3 corporation which completely relies upon the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. "A country is remembered by it's culture." Renaissance House encourages the diverse culture of all Americans.

We have received grants and gifts from: